"With 92% of jobs requiring digital skills, BDEC is optimistic that this initiative will help Baltimore job seekers navigate the workforce ecosystem, advancing digital skills for all."
- Cody L. Dorsey, Executive Director, Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition
- Kate Rivera, Executive Director, Technology Learning Collaborative
"The digital skills gap and its contribution to un- and under-employment in Philadelphia is significant. TLC is thrilled to partner with the Centri Tech Foundation to connect the local workforce and digital equity ecosystems to ensure greater opportunities for Philadelphia residents."
A New Tool for Job Seekers
The Centri Tech Foundation has launched Community Skills Connect, a new initiative and online platform designed to help low-income job seekers navigate local workforce development resources and access digital skills learning opportunities.
With support provided by Verizon’s Community Enhancement Award, the Centri Tech Foundation is partnering with the Technology Learning Collaborative of Philadelphia, the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition, and Martha’s Table of Washington, DC to promote increased adoption of digital skills among low-income residents.
From digital literacy to reskilling and upskilling to training for tech careers and entrepreneurship, the Community Skills Connect initiative seeks to reach approximately 8,200 low-income residents across the three Mid-Atlantic cities of Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
From Our Partners
Created with with on-the-ground organizations in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, Community Skills Connect provides local and comprehensive resources for job seekers.
Featured Resources
AI for Entrepreneurs
Workshop
The Centri Tech Foundation, in partnership with The Black upStart and Martha’s Table, hosted the AI for Entrepreneurs Workshop in Washington, D.C.
This in-person event brought together 33 individuals with little to no tech or entrepreneurship experience and provided them with an immersive, daylong training to learn how to leverage generative AI and digital tools for kickstarting side hustles and advancing their business ventures. To support their continued growth, all 33 participants were awarded scholarships and devices.
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Digital Skills Workshops
Hands-on training to build essential computer, internet, and digital literacy skills.
Tech Training Programs
Comprehensive job-training programs teaching in-demand tech skills.
Reskilling Courses
Courses helping people gain new skills to transition into different fields or roles.
Entrepreneurship Resources
Tools, mentorships, and support for starting and growing a business venture.
Local Jobs
Find employment opportunities in your community.
Resource Map
Interactive map of local resources to help users find services in their area.
News
Program Partners
The Technology Learning Collaborative (TLC) advances digital equity in Greater Philadelphia by providing professional development and capacity building for practitioners, driving collaboration, and advocating for digitally inclusive communities. TLC convenes staff and volunteers from social service organizations, adult education service providers, local universities, media literacy organizations, workforce development organizations, technology access organizations, libraries, governmental entities, and businesses. TLC works to support the local digital equity landscape with aligned, effective, and community-driven approaches.
Along with a network of community development partners, Centri Tech Foundation seeks to connect low-income people to high-quality connectivity in the home and to resources that improve economic, health and livelihood outcomes in the digital economy. We believe digital advancement is a civil right. To achieve a sustainable future, one where everyone can fulfill their aspirations and thrive, requires an inclusive digital economy.
The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC) helps individuals and organizations from various backgrounds and communities work together to bring vital resources to Baltimore’s most disconnected communities. Through relationship-building, education and advocacy, BDEC strengthens the coalition to address both the urgent and long-term needs that will permanently close the digital divide in the City of Baltimore by supporting equitable access to affordable devices, high-speed Internet, and digital skills training.
The Black upStart is a nationally recognized company serving African-American innovators aspiring to create successful, profitable, and job-creating small businesses. Through its incubator program, The Black upStart offers a culturally-sensitive, pioneering curriculum that combines experiential learning methods, lean startup methodology, and business case studies. The organization has trained nearly 500 entrepreneurs across the United States as well as in Southern Africa.
Martha's Table has been empowering communities for 40 years. The organization supports strong children, families, and communities by providing access to quality education programs, healthy food, and family resources. Martha's Table believes every child deserves the opportunity for a bright future, backed by deeply engaged families and communities committed to their success.
Computer Ownership and Digital Skills: Stories of Opportunity in Mississippi and D.C.
In communities across the United States, there are significant disparities in computer ownership, and the systems for providing and delivering these resources require development. Urban and, particularly, rural areas suffer from a digital divide exacerbated by the lack of affordable large-screen computers and inadequate digital skills training.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Dreams with AI
On May 18th, the Centri Tech Foundation partnered with TheBlackUpStart and Martha’s Table to host the “AI for Entrepreneurs Workshop” in Washington, D.C.
This in-person event brought together 33 individuals with little to no tech or entrepreneurship experience and provided them with immersive, daylong training to learn how to leverage generative AI and digital tools for kickstarting side hustles and advancing their business ventures.
Verizon, Centri Tech Foundation team up to boost digital inclusion in DC, Philadelphia and Baltimore
Washington, DC- Verizon has announced a partnership with the Centri Tech Foundation to create The Community Skills Connect Pilot, a new initiative that will deliver digital workforce skills training, information and resources to approximately 8,200 low-income residents in collaboration with national and local partners and community organizations.
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